Wedding: Pen Jar

My sister had a theme wedding. As a world traveler (she’s been to all but one continent and all of the states), she wanted to bring her passion to travel to her wedding.

We made place cards using map paper to help people find where in the world they will be sitting. Each table was a different place she has visited … (more on the centerpieces to come).

In leu of a guest book, she bought a map and pens for guests to sign. Naturally I couldn’t let the pens just “hang out” on the table, so I made her a coordinating little jar to hold them in.

The label was a little large for the jar, so it had a few wrinkles, but it turned out really cute, don’t you think? Here’s how I did it:

My secret weapon is Elizabeth Craft Designs Clear Double Sided Adhesive. If you’ve followed me before, you know how much I love this stuff. It sticks to anything, is crystal clear and comes in all sorts of sizes. I applied it to the back of the map paper (Authentique) and then ran it through my Big Shot with a Tim Holtz label die. This way, adhesive wouldn’t show from one side of the jar to the other.

I then added a black stamp die cut, also from Tim Holtz/Sizzix, to each label. I topped it off with a sticker from Little B.

And, on the other side …

I finished it off with a bit of ribbon from American Crafts and some travel charms from Art C.

I sure hope she enjoys this journey!

Honeymoon Fund Jar

My sister is getting married this weekend. The bartenders’ gratuity is already figured into the cost of the reception, so she thought it would be fun to collect donations to her honeymoon trip (in Australia!) at the bar. So I made her this jar … I was, of course, finishing it at the last minute, so I just took quick pics with my phone, but it was a fun project filled with tecniques and I wanted to share them with you …

I started with a Gordon Food Services’ pickle jar … I threw out the lid, cleaned the jar and got ready to etch the glass.

I wanted the jar to last beyond the reception. Since my sister is always traveling, I thought it would be nice for her to be able to remove the wedding stuff and keep it as a change jar for whatever trip she is planning in the future. So, I decided to etch a monogrammed heart on the front.

I cut out both a heart and a monogrammed S from etchall® etchmask using my Cricut. etchmask is a sticky vinyl … personally, I find it works much better for etching than a traditional vinyl since it is thicker, sticks better and doesn’t stretch as easily as vinyl does.

My sister likes things simple, so after I applied both the heart and the monogram, I trimmed off the fancy swirlies on the letter with a craft knife.

After making sure all of the edges were tight, I added my leftover pieces of etchmask to the edges of the design to make sure I didn’t etch anything I didn’t mean to.

Then, I applied a thick, even layer of etchall® etching crème to the design and let it sit for 15 minutes. I scraped the crème off and put it back in the bottle (it’s reusable) and then washed the jar with soap and water, removed the stencil and washed it again.

The metal tags are from Art C. My husband used sandpaper to remove the sharp edges and then stamped the words Honeymoon Fund into one of them (they are a pretty thick steel and I wasn’t hammering hard enough). I then used a fine-pointed Sharpie to make the letters dark and prominent.

Since the wedding colors are University of Michigan blue and gold, I used the chipped sapphire Distress Crayon to color the heart and the word love. I used my finger to smooth out the color on the heart … I love the streaking effect it gave.

I used a sticker and label set from Tim Holtz to add their wedding date. I tied gold ribbon to the top of the jar and used jump rings to adhere each of the tags.

Since the banquet hall is pretty dark, I figured the tags can sort of layer over each other and the etching on the jar during the reception and then she can remove the tags and ribbon and just have the jar with her new last initial monogrammed for later.

The entire project, because I already had most of the supplies on hand, was® inexpensive. The only thing I purchased were the tags, which were on sale at JoAnn Fabric and Crafts for $2.39 each — and they come three to a pack, so I have quite a few left for additional projects. Oh, and I figured it was bad luck to give a tip jar without any money in it, so I threw in a few $1 bills to get them started.

Deer Under Glass

This is one of those projects that just evolved … I had no intentions of making it, but somehow, it just sort of happened.

I started with new plastic deer from Tim Holtz. I painted each one with a healthy layer of Art Glitter Designer Dries Clear Adhesive and then coated them in a variety of glitters … this one a microfine glitter from Art Glitter.

I then pulled out a Melissa Frances cloche I had … I painted the base white and then glued the deer and a pink tree to the top. I poured a bit of “snow” into the glass and glued the glass to the base. Then, I added a bit of vintage glitter to the edge.

For the bottom, I filled an old crystal salt shaker that was long missing its top with glitter and snow and glued it to the bottom.

And added a bit of ribbon as a final touch.

It adds a beautifully vintage charm … maybe next year we will have a pink Christmas?

A Deer for Christmas

Since I was a little girl, I often dreamed of having an old-fashioned cabin with a deer hanging above the fireplace. That dream has changed a bit, but it has never gone away. I still love taxidermy and would welcome many creatures into my home.

Then, it became “hip” to hang white porcelain deer on the wall. Of course, I was in love with the idea. My husband, on the other hand, hated the idea. Since I want us both to be happy and comfortable at home, I backed off of my idea.

But this year, I decided I was going to do something to make me happy — regardless of what he thought.

I bought an inexpensive paper-mache deer head and spray-painted it.

Then I painted the antlers with Designer Dries Clear Adhesive and then coated it with Distress Glitter Dust. It created a bit of a mess, but it was easy. Besides, everyone needs to sparkle during the holidays!

Mounting the deer was a bit of a challenge, but we finally decided to use Command Strips and they seem to be holding.

I love how it turned out. It looks really great hanging in the living room. Great enough that I might leave it up after the holidays for a bit of bling all through the winter.

Dance Like No One Is Watching

So, I found this little mirror in the clearance section at Michael’s one day and knew it would be perfect for an etchall® etching creme project.

And it is!

My problem is photographing it … I tried inside, outside, in light, little light … nothing would work. I wasn’t going to share this project, because I couldn’t photograph it, but it was so fun to make — and, I think, perfect for a little girl’s room, bathroom or foyer — that I decided to share my horrible photos, but fun techniques with you.

I started by designing the quote on my tablet using Cricut’s Design Space app. Then I used the Cricut to cut out the words using etchall® etchmask.

Next, I adhered the  etchall® etchmask transfer sheet to the surface so I could pick up the little dots in the “e” and other letters.

I then pulled the etchmask off of the Cricut mat and placed it on the mirror.

Then, I coated the surface with etchall® and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, I scraped up the etchall® and placed it back into the bottle for another time. I rinsed off the mirror, removed the etchmask and gave it a final cleaning and it was done!

It really is crisp and clear, but I couldn’t get the letters to not reflect in the photo — unless I focused on something in the mirror and then you couldn’t see the letters. So, trust me when I say it is perfect and crystal clear in person!

 

Commissioned Art

For years, I have been looking for a special piece of artwork for my living room wall. I fell in love with a huge canvas photo in an art gallery and dreamed I would someday take a picture and have it mounted. So far, that hasn’t happened and I was anxious to get something on the wall. So, I decided to commission myself to make a piece of art.

I started with a large, 6-pane window I bought at Green Door Studio. I washed it up, but left the white paint just as it was.

I added metallic silver paint to the majority of the window.

Next I added a bit of blue paint here and there …

And then some brown. Then I went over the top of the entire window with a semi-gloss glaze mixed with brown paint. Then I was ready to decorate …

I used a Wendy Vecchi Studio 490 rubber stamp to add some text to two of the corners. Archival Ink works well — I heated it just to be sure.

Then I went over the top with Texture Paste on a stencil.

I added a bit of paint over the top …

I used the same techniques in the opposite corner, but I added Lake Superior rocks and a bit of birch bark to that corner.

In the center of the panes, I used a stencil to add a compass with Archival Ink.

Then I added the photos behind the glass. I used Mini Glue Dots because I wanted to be able to change them out. I don’t like that the dots show in some places, but I really wanted the photos behind the old glass.

I also added a few tags, some wood pieces and more rocks to various spots on the window.

At the bottom, I added a piece of driftwood from the beach, along with a few more rocks.

I also added a charm from Tim Holtz.

I love how my window came out. I hope I’ve inspired you to make art of your own!

Etched & Altered Frame

I receive lots of comments about my etched art, so I decided to teach it!

In this class, we will alter an 8″x10″ wooden picture frame with acrylic paint and alcohol. Then, we’ll add the word “beautiful” to the glass with etchall® etching creme.

This class is offered at Green Door Studio in Brighton on Friday, Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. You must register for this class so I have enough frames. Click here for details.

Hope to see you there!

Etched Shadowbox

I created this shadowbox to showcase our new love of rock hunting. I included a map of the area (although it ended up getting mostly covered up), some of the rocks we collected and photos from our vacation. But this idea would work with any theme — memories from a wedding, birthday celebration, anniversary or any special event. And, with etchall etching creme, you could include names, dates and other things on the front glass. For my piece, I used the word “found”. Here’s how I did it …

I started with a shadowbox from a big box store.

I adhered a map of the area to the base of the shadowbox. I used glaze and paint to calm down the bright colors a bit.

Then, I used stencils, pastes and inks to create the background. I added photos and rocks and then put the shadowbox back together.

I took a piece of etchall etch mask and used my Big Shot to die cut the word “found” from a Tim Holtz die. Etch mask is stronger than the vinyl sold for electronic cutting machines, which means it doesn’t tear and is easier to work with. But, I used a Thinlits die and it cut like butter!

After pulling out the word from the etch mask, I peeled off the backing and stuck it to the glass. Then, I carefully replaced the inside of the o, d and f. I used the etchall Squeegee to make sure everything was well adhered and to remove any air bubbles.

I taped off the edges and poured on the etchall etching creme. Then, I set a timer for 15 minutes and walked away.

When I came back, I scraped the etchall etching creme back into the container (it’s reusable!) and then wiped away any residue and removed the mask and tape.

I love how the word seems to float because it is on the front of the glass and the other elements are at the back of the shadowbox.

This is the perfect way to remember our trip rock hunting!

Exploring Alcohol and Acrylic

I recently learned a technique using acrylic paint and rubbing alcohol and I have been having so much fun with it, I thought I would share it here …

I found these little wooden panels on sale at Michael’s and thought they would be good to try this technique on.

1. Paint randomly with multiple colors. I used Distress Paint in blue and green. When they start to blend, stop and clean the brush and then go again. If they mix too much, dry and then add a bit of color back in.
2. When dry, cover with white paint. I used Dylusions paint. This is a very fluid paint that dries quickly and it worked a bit too well … It didn’t cover as completely as I had hoped and the alcohol obliterated it in places. Next time, I will use a standard acrylic paint. While still wet, spray with rubbing alcohol. Let sit for 5 minutes and then use a baby wipe to remove portions of the white paint, allowing the other colors to show through.
3. 
   Because of the properties of the Dylusions paint, I had little to take off … it almost fell off. In some places, I used a dry paper towel to blot the alcohol off and then heat dried it.
4. Use a glazing medium to adhere Finnabair Mica Flakes.
5. Mix glazing medium with Perfect Pearls (I used green) and cover each piece.
6. Use Tiny Attacher to staple rope to the blocks to make a banner or hanger.
7. I added a photo and hung this one on my tree.
8. Cover chipboard letters with two coats of enamel powder and one coat of UTEE.
9. Decorate with photos, twine and rocks taken from the beach!

Photo Transfer Canvas

I recently had the opportunity to take some classes with Jen Starr. This was the one I was most excited about — transferring a photo onto canvas. The background was painted with acrylic paint and stenciled and stamped … then we transferred the photo (in my case, the lighthouse) and then added the metal around the edge. The rest, I finished at home, finally!

I won’t tell you how to transfer the photo because that was Jen’s class, but I can share some of the work I did to the piece.

First, I should tell you that touring this lighthouse was a bit of a life-altering experience. During the 96 steps to the top, I realized that my lifestyle changes made in diet and exercise are working. I also pushed myself to deal with my fear of heights. And, I had a paranormal experience. Much more on all of this to come, but because the place was so special, I wanted it to hang in my living room.

If you look closely, you will see that I forgot one of Jen’s instructions in doing the transfer, so I am missing a couple of pieces, but I feel it adds to the paranormal quality of the art, don’t you think?

Jen also stressed in her class that the elements added have meaning and not just be random pieces of art. I took that to heart and nearly every piece included is done for a specific reason.

The metal quote (from Tim Holtz) is there to represent the paranormal experience. The keys tell of my courage and determination to “own” the lighthouse and climb all of those steps despite the full-blown panic attack I was having from my fear of heights. (The anchor and metal corner piece are decorative … hint: I painted the metal corner embellishment with Distress Paint to cover the brass.)

Suel Choix (inked wooden letters) is the name of the lighthouse. It’s name, in French, means “only choice.” The story goes that some French sailors were caught in a storm and this bay was their only choice for survival — hence the little French sailor from Prima. The lighthouse was once the center of the fishing community in this part of Michigan, so I included the fisherman from Prima as well.

The arrow signifies movement and direction, which I took in climbing the stairs. The compass is for the journey we took to get there — we had to use GPS because it was so far off the main road — and the admit one is for the tickets we had to purchase to see the lighthouse. The wooden saying, a moment to remember, also painted, is so I will always remember that if I set my mind to it, I can do anything!

By the way, the chimney and roof are actually in front of the tower. When I cut out the picture and saw how it looked like it was painted onto the tower, I thought it led a ghostly quality to the canvas.